Overview

The Tobol-Ishim forested steppe is approximately 360,000 ha, comprising
birch and aspen forests interspersed with meadows and steppes, most of
which are under farmlands, as well as with salty meadows, fens, and reed
thickets. In the low-lying areas, there are numerous lakes and marshes
overgrown with emergent, floating and submerged aquatic plants (Phragmites,
Typha, Carex, Scirpus, etc.). The project site is important for migrating
and breeding populations of waterfowl and colonial shore birds.

Conservation Status

A number of protected areas were established at this project site.

1. Belozersky State Wildlife Refuge (zakaznik) in Armizonsky District
with a core area of 17,850 ha and a buffer zone of 600 ha. All human
activities affecting natural ecosystems, including fishery, recreation,
etc., are prohibited or limited in Belozersky.

2. In Berdyuzhsky District, two state wildlife refuges are established:
Okunevsky Zakaznik (1,930 ha) and Pesochny Zakaznik (930 ha). Temporary
wildlife refuges are established in this district every year during
the hunting season.

3. In Sladkovsky District, two wildlife refuges were organized: Kabansky
Zakaznik (22,400 ha) and Tavolzhan Zakaznik (2,720 ha), and also a Natural
Monument at Brusnichnoye. Seasonal wildlife refuges are established
on several lakes in this district.

4. A network of natural monuments and “green belts” around
towns is being developed.

SCWP Objectives

This is a Phase 2 site, although certain actions are being taken in Phase
1 to address potential threats caused by hunting base development. A site
management committee is being established, and awareness activities carried
out. The SCWP is working to expand the territory of wildlife refuges in
all administrative districts by 30%. This will provide protection status
for Chernoye, Tavolzhannoe, Siverga, Bolshoi Kushluk, and Yakush lakes.
Activities being implemented will limit certain economic activities; such
as on fishing during the spawning period of Carassius carassius and breeding
season of waterbirds, and on the use of fishing nets fixed on river banks.
The project is working to establish buffer zone belts around the lakes
and carry out measures for the restoration of trees and shrubs in these
zones, as well as on riverbanks and levees.